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CRIMINAL JUSTICE

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

KAREN S. WESTON, M.S., M.B.A., Program Director

FACULTY: Assistant Professors: Maria Garase, Michael J. McSkimming. Instructors: Karen S. Weston.  Lecturers: Richard C. Altmire, William Benner, Keith Hardner, Mary Beth Kujkowski, C. Robert McDowell, Eric Rodgers, Jeffrey Shaw, Elizabeth VanStrom-Hirz, Nick Viglione, Stanley S. Walkiewicz.

Criminal Justice is the interdisciplinary study of crime and the administration of justice. It has emerged as an academic discipline in response to a continuing need to prepare men and women for responsible and lucrative careers in the criminal justice system and related fields.

Consistent with contemporary standards of education in Criminal Justice, our curriculum emphasizes the need for students to be exposed to the most significant areas of study in the criminal justice system – law enforcement, policing, corrections, probation, parole, juvenile justice, criminal law and criminology. In each of these areas, course offerings stress both theoretical concepts and practical applications. The program has added three new areas of concentration; Forensic Investigation, Behavior Specialist, and Cyber Security/Forensics, and has added a fourth area of Conservation Law Enforcement for Fall 2003. As a complement to the classroom experiences, the program requires students to engage in experiential learning such as field placement, internships, and service-learning projects. These allow the student to observe the day to day operation of specific agencies from a preferential occupational perspective.


In addition to preparing students for initial criminal justice careers, the Criminal Justice Program provides students with a solid academic foundation for subsequent graduate education in criminal justice, related social science disciplines and law. Gannon University and the Criminal Justice Program offers a combined Criminal Justice/Masters in Business Administration graduate degree that allows the student to complete a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters in Business Administration in five years. Courses are rigorous and challenging by design but the student will obtain skills needed for the future as we approach the twenty-first century.


The Gannon University – Duquesne School of Law, 3/3 Early Admissions Program has been designed for qualified students to earn an undergraduate and a law degree in six years rather than seven. Under the early admissions program students may receive a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice after three years of undergraduate work and the successful completion of the first year of full time study at the Duquesne School of Law. The student would then receive their Law Degree after successful completion of the second year at Duquesne School of Law. Qualified students may wish to pursue this Criminal Justice Program option.


There is an increasing need for para-professionals to earn a minimum of an Associate Degree to gain entry into the criminal justice system or related occupations. The Criminal Justice Program offers an Associate Degree (AA) in Criminal Justice and related Certificate Programs. Conservation law, corrections, policing, forensics, computer forensics, and behavioral specialization are also available through the Associate Degree Program. The Associate Degree is offered through the Gannon University Center for Adult Learning. All core required criminal justice courses are offered in the traditional classroom and through distance learning options.


Recognizing the importance of language proficiency among criminal justice professionals has led to the development of a special sequence of language courses necessary for degree completion in the area of Criminal Justice. The Department of Foreign Language and Cultures in conjunction with the Criminal Justice Program offer the opportunity to acquire relevant language skills and familiarity with the associated culture, sufficient to enhance effective communication in criminal justice settings. The Criminal Justice Program highly recommends Spanish fluency for its students.


With the need for knowledge of Spanish language becoming apparent in all aspects of social life, Criminal Justice majors are encouraged to develop competency in this language as a means of broadening professional skills and expanding employment opportunities.


All criminal justice students are encouraged to concentrate their general elective courses in areas which enhance career goals, such as foreign language, social and behavioral sciences, business administration, computer science and Chemistry/Biology sequences.


The Criminal Justice Program supports the Gannon Writing Across the Curriculum Program by offering writing intensive assignments as part of the curriculum and has adapted a program wide Service Learning requirement. To further these outcomes and Gannon's mission, each Criminal Justice major must complete 100 hours or community service prior to and as a prerequisite for graduation. It is each student's sole responsibility to ensure that the required service hours have been completed in a timely fashion. Each Criminal Justice major will sign a Service Agreement, acknowledging his/her understanding of and commitment to the Service Learning requirements of the program.

Course Descriptions:

CRBH 355: Seminar in Emotional and Behavior Disorders
This course is designed to identify the characteristics, terminology, etiology, and definition of children identified with emotional and behavioral disorders. Focus will be given to the methods and techniques utilized to diagnose and categorize children identified in this category. This course will discuss the perceptions, controversies, incidence, and prevalence of children with emotional and behavioral disorders.
Prerequisite: PSYC 111
3 credits

CRBH 358: Instructional and Therapeutic Interventions for Treatment Design
This course is designed to identify the instructional and therapeutic interventions for children with emotional and behavioral disorders in the home, community, and in the schools. This course will provide hands-on experience with assessments, evaluations, curriculum, treatment plans, and individualized educational programs. Content includes evaluating therapeutic and instructional interventions, social skill development, group and individual counseling techniques, positive behavioral support plans, and conflict resolution techniques.
Corequisite: CRBH 355
3 credits

CRBH 365: Applied Behavioral Analysis and Intervention
This course is designed to identify the components of applied behavioral analysis and the development of effective behavioral interventions, pertaining to children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders. Focus is given to identification of the causes and functions of behaviors, the assessment and diagnosis of behavioral issues, and the development and implementation of effective behavioral and therapeutic plans using a variety of positive behavioral support and management techniques.
Prerequisites: CRBH 355, 358
3 credits

CRBH 370: Interagency Collaboration and Consultation
This course is designed to develop the role of the behavior specialist as an effective collaborator in the various agencies, within the home, community, and school setting. The course will develop communication skills, differentiate between the roles of collaboration and consultation, develop effective resolution skills, and discuss the ethical and legal responsibilities of the behavior specialist.
Prerequisites: CRBH 355, 358, 365
3 credits

CRBH 475: Behavioral Specialist Practicum
This course is an opportunity for criminal justice, education, social work, and psychology majors with a Behavior Specialist minor to engage in participant observation, Skill Streaming and Applied Behavior analysis or other related activities as tutors/mentors that place the intern in direct contact with the juvenile clients in a supervised setting. The intern is required to engage in such activities for a minimum of 6 credit hours during an entire semester or over several semesters to satisfy 300 hours. Open only to students with a minimum of 2.5 GPA and have fulfilled all prerequisite courses. A maximum of 6 credits can be attributed to this field placement. The Alternative Education Program is designed to provide the behavioral, emotional and educational needs of the disruptive secondary level student in a school setting. Through the use of small groups, academic instruction, technology enhancement, mentorship and life skills counseling, each student's most severe behavioral and academic needs will be addressed.
Prerequisites: CRJS 355, 358, 365
6 credits

CRFO 210: Criminalistics I
An introduction to Forensic Science course that introduces the non-scientific student as well as the science based student to the field of forensic science through an exploration of its applications to criminal investigations, with clear explanations of the techniques, abilities, and limitations of the modern crime laboratory. Forensic science is the application of science to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by agencies in a criminal justice system. This course will familiarize the student with the most current technologies in forensic analysis that private, police and law enforcement professionals rely on to apprehend criminal perpetrators and to link them through trace evidence to crime scenes. You will also be introduced to the
various forensic sciences that make up a typical full service crime laboratory and the role it plays as part of the criminal justice system. The term 'evidence' is defined and in addition this course will provide students with insight into the issues surrounding physical evidence; introduce students to basic concepts and encourage their exploration of the latest websites. Fundamental principles of forensic investigations are established and will be built upon in subsequent courses. Actual cases enable students to see the role of forensic science in criminal investigations, and highlight the integral part forensic science plays in modern criminal investigations.
3 credits

CRFO 312: Biological Evidence
This course focuses on the biology and technology behind serology and a DNA analysis method used today and provides a thorough introduction to students who are less familiar with biological evidence and DNA. This comprehensive course provides an overview of conventional Forensic Serology and DNA Profiling and the role of this section of the crime laboratory as part of the criminal justice system. Evidence collection and preservation, acquisition of known standards for comparison purposes, chain of custody issues and crime scene reconstruction techniques will be discussed. Safety issues regarding biological hazards will also be reviewed. This course concludes with reviews of the DNA testing performed in high-profile cases such as the O.J. Simpson trial, the President Clinton-Monica Lewinsky affair, identifying the remains of Russia's Romanov family and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Thomas Jefferson-Sally Hemings affair, and others.
Prerequisite: (CRFO 210, CRJS 310) or (CRJS 310, CHEM 170)
3 credits

CRFO 318: Crime Scene Forensic Techniques
This course is designed to help you collect and process physical evidence correctly, analyze it thoroughly, and understand its relevance in a criminal case. There is a strong focus on a systematic approach that uses proven, reliable methods for field applications in the investigation of criminal cases and evidence collection. Traditional and new technologies will be discussed in the framework of actual cases. This is an essential hands-on course for everyone involved with physical evidence, from the first responding officers, to crime scene processors, laboratory technicians, investigators, and attorneys trying a criminal case. The students will be exposed to the newest chemical and instrumental techniques, and covers new areas such as forensic analysis of computers and advanced shooting scene reconstruction methods.
Prerequisite: CFJS 202 ,310
3 credits

CRFO 325: Expert Witnessing
This course incorporates the court's concern with reliability, relevance, and the admissibility of expert testimony along with the proper court room demeanor. It will also define the avenues of attack used by opposing attorneys regarding expert qualifications and examine the significance of the expert's use of sophisticated technologies to present demonstrative evidence in the courtroom. The student will explore the increased importance of deposition testimony by experts in the light of the recent trend to mediate and settle cases, rather than go to jail. Case studies are provided for the student's critique and analysis. Actual courtroom testimony for forensic scientists and crime scene investigators will be studied and critiqued. In-class mock crime scene investigations will be conducted resulting in scientific findings. These findings will be thoroughly discussed and the student will have an opportunity to present his/her findings in 'court'.
Prerequisite: CFRO 210 or (CRJS 310 and CHEM 170)
3 credits

CRFO 345: Digital Evidence/Computer Crime
This course is designed to introduce the student to what investigators do to collect, preserve, and authenticate digital evidence. How the legal admissibility of digital evidence can be assured and how digital evidence can be used to reconstruct crimes and generate leads. This course is important to train criminal justice students, police, lawyers, programmers or System administrators, and forensic scientists involved in the investigation or prosecution of Computer-related crimes. The course will provide step-by-step instructions for dealing with an assortment of evidentiary problems and will also illustrate how these details fit within the broader contexts of forensic science, crime, and society in general. The difficult balancing act between a secure computing environment and individual privacy will also be evaluated.
Prerequisites: CRJS 170, 171, 172, 173
3 credits

CRFO 350: Investigation Internet Crime
The objective of this course is to teach students about technical aspects of the Internet and how the Internet can be used as an investigative tool. As detailed in the syllabus, this is a demanding technical course, requiring participants to submit weekly assignments to demonstrate their understanding of the materials. Participants who are not already familiar with Internet crime should take the Introduction to Internet Crime course (CRFO 345). Topics covered include advanced Internet searching, locating the origin of e-mail messages, tracking criminals who operate on chat networks, investigating computer fraud and intrusions, and dealing with personal computers as an extension of the crime scene. Articles and case examples are used to give a sense of current crimes and law enforcement efforts on the Internet. The course ends with a final investigative assignment those ties together many of the lessons and techniques taught throughout the course.
3 credits

CRFO 360: Principles of Forensic (Kinesic) Interview and Interrogation
Kinesic interview and interrogation is viewed as a multiphase behavioral analysis system used to conduct more effective and efficient interpersonal communications. The foundation of the techniques used in this course is to conduct more effective and efficient interpersonal communications. This technique rests on the observation of common everyday behavior of human beings and their diverse communication abilities.The course will explore principles of basic kinesics in terms of speech and body language, and also the same behaviors exhibited in written statements. It is suggested that speech and body language behaviors can give insight into the individual's personality type, indicating the "psychological fingerprint" of the person. By combining the information received through diagnosis of verbal and nonverbal behavior with this psychological fingerprint, an interviewer can conduct an interview and interrogation that is specifically tailored for the subject.
Prerequisites:  CRJS 202, CRJS 310
3 Credits

CRJS 101: Defense Tactics and Safe Physical Management
This course is designed to focus on the application of the use of force by criminal justice personnel and the benefit that traditional martial arts can have in carrying out this aspect of law enforcement/criminal justice responsibility. Law enforcement agencies advocate a use of force continuum that indicates options available in response to levels of resistance that may be encountered by enforcement personnel. This course has been developed to meet the needs of students that are anticipating careers in criminal justice agencies. Students from other academic disciplines will also derive benefits in the use of personal self-defense. HC 101 is intended to be a general elective for criminal justice majors.
2 credits

CRJS 105: Introduction to Basic Firearms
This course will presume that there are students that have had no prior experience with firearms. This section will be devoted to providing basic accurate information, proper form, procedure and habits. Each student will have a full working familiarity with the firearm and ammunition that they will encounter and have at least a basic understanding of ballistics. The first three sections, "A. Introduction to firearms", "B. Shooting Fundamentals", "C. Range Behavior/Safety" are taught in the classroom. CRJS 105 is an absolute prerequisite for CRJS 106. All participants must attend CRJS 105 for safety protocol. Students are responsible for the acquisition of their own firearm and associated ammunition, holster, ear and eye protection. The course is taught by a team of certified firearm instructors at an off campus indoor range. Availability for course is restricted to upper level criminal justice majors and all others only by permission of the Director of the Criminal Justice Program. CRJS 105 is intended as a general elective for criminal justice majors.
1 credit

CRJS 106: Basic Firearms II
This portion of the firearm instruction focuses upon basic marksmanship techniques. The five principles of marksmanship will include proper stance grip, sight picture, trigger control, presentation and follow-through. The training paradigm will also encompass the entire scope of the use of force continuum from command presence to deadly force. Students are responsible for the acquisition of their own firearm and associated ammunition, holster, ear and eye protection. You will need at lest 600 rounds of ammunition for this section. Instruction is held at an indoor range for application of proper techniques. The course is taught by a team of certified firearm instructors at an off campus indoor range. Availability for course is restricted to upper level criminal justice majors and all others only by permission of the Director of the Criminal Justice Program. CRJS 106 is intended as a general elective for criminal justice majors.
Prerequisite: CRJS 105
2 credits

CRJS 108: Applied Concepts in Criminal Justice
This is a first year required foundation course that will prepare the student in the Criminal Justice major and other related areas of study to think, write and talk about the field. The course will provide the necessary knowledge about sources of information relating to the field of "justice" studies, how to search for these sources, and how to understand sources that are found. The course will cover the principles and integrity that are essential to justice studies. The Criminal Justice Program and its faculty believe that it is essential that ethical principles are introduced early in the student's academic career. The course investigates career options so that the student can plan their academic courses in a focused and analytical manner.
3 credits

CRJS 110: Introduction to Criminal Justice
A survey of the components of the criminal justice system including police, courts, and corrections, as well as the elements of the criminal process.
3 credits, every semester and Distance Learning (Internet)

CRJS 111: Service Learning Seminar I
Required service learning seminar for all 1st year CRJS students.
3 credits, every semester

CRJS 112: Criminal Justice Freshman Seminar
Required freshman orientation for all first year criminal justice students.
3 credits, every semester and Distance Learning (Internet)

CRJS 201: The Correctional Process
An introduction to the traditional components of American Corrections, including probation and parole agencies.
Prerequisite: CRJS 110
3 credits, annual

CRJS 202: The Police Function
An introduction to American policing that will provide an analytical framework for understanding the police as a product of a balance of social, historical, political, legal, individual, and organizational forces. The course will examine theoretical propositions about the police in light of current research literature and analyze the three major functions of policing in the United States: law enforcement, service provision, and the maintenance of order. The legal parameters of policing and Police Administration are reviewed in relation to contemporary issues that pose substantial challenges to police officers and administrators and finally probes Contemporary Concerns and Future Challenges such as the critical issues of deadly force, AIDS, affirmative action, and police deviance. The student will also explore the contemporary police industry including public and private agencies at the federal, state and municipal levels.
Prerequisite: CRJS 110
3 credits, Spring, Distance Learning (Internet)

CRJS 205: Principles of Private Security and Loss Prevention
An introduction to principles of private security and loss prevention, including the history and role of private security; threat assessment and security survey; and principles of physical security, including personnel security and functional area security systems. This course will also focus on the legal aspects of private security, touching on civil and criminal liabilities.
3 credits

CRJS 215: Introduction to Conservation Law Enforcement
This course is designed to introduce the student to the theory and practice of Conservation Law Enforcement. Knowledge gained from this course can be applied to any state or federal position that is designed to enhance, protect, and conserve the natural areas of the United States. Issues concerning officer expectations/duties, levels of danger, training, waterway conservation, and game enforcement will be covered in great detail. Additionally, this course will expose the student to constitutional law, criminal law (ie., PA Fish and Boat Code), natural resource law, and the United States Code of Federal Statutes and Regulations.
Prerequisite: CRJS 110
3 credits

CRJS 230: Juvenile Delinquency and Adolescent Development
This course examines delinquency in American society, the history of delinquency and major theoretical concepts that have been utilized to explain criminal behavior and juvenile delinquency with suggestions for the future. Ethnographic research methods will be utilized to identify behaviors and place qualitative meaning to the observed behaviors.
3 credits, every semester, only Distance Learning (Internet)

CRJS 240: Criminological Theory
This course is designed to provide an overview of the scientific study of crime as a social phenomenon of criminal behavior and the penal treatment process. Criminology theory will be addressed from a sociological perspective and issues related to the measurement and extent of crime. The major schools of thought will be discussed utilizing the founders of each school and supplementing their premises with supporting criminology research.
3 credits, Fall, Distance Learning (Internet)

CRJS 250: Criminal Justice Research Methods
This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic concepts, terminology, and techniques germane to criminal justice research. More specifically, the student will become familiar with both qualitative and quantitative research designs, formulating research hypotheses, asking appropriate questions on a survey or interview, data recording, data analysis, and ethical responsibilities. The skills acquired in this course will be beneficial for both the future graduate student and the criminal justice practitioner.
Prerequisite: CRJS 240
3 credits, Spring

CRJS 302: Contemporary Correctional Programs
This course introduces the student to modern American correctional programs.  It examines the nature of programs as well as a wide variety of contemporary programs, both inside and outside institutions, judged to be exemplary by correctional professionals.  This course provides a broad overview of effective correctional treatment as well as career opportunities in the field.  Through research, class presentations and a paper focusing on one effective program per student, this course will expose the student to both the variety and complexity of modern correctional programs.
Prerequisites: CRJS 110, 201
3 credits

CRJS 303: Issues in Law Enforcement
Topics of current interest will be discussed, including police-community relations, police decision-making, and concepts in police practice and administration.
3 credits

CRJS 304: Issues in Corrections
This course will focus on alternatives to traditional modes of incarceration, current trends in the treatment of offenders and innovations and problems in correctional administration.
3 credits

CRJS 305: Environmental Law and Policy
This course will explore some of the salient environmental issues of our day, and analyze the various laws and policies that have been developed to neutralize the various environmental threats. Students will be exposed to such topics as: Methods of Policy Analysis, Sources of Environmental Law and Policies, Land Resources and Environmental Policy, Clean Air and Air Quality, Waste Disposal, and Clean Water and Water Quality. Additionally, students will have an opportunity to an in-depth analysis of an environmental law or policy of their choosing and present their report in class.
3 credits

CRJS 310: Investigative Concepts
This course of study should help the Criminal Justice student to gather and analyze data gathered in the process of criminal and civil investigations including: investigative techniques, photography, note taking, sketching; identifying, collecting, examining, processing physical evidence; obtaining information, developing, identifying and locating suspects.
Prerequisites: CRJS 110, CRJS 202
3 credits, Fall and Distance Learning (Internet)

CRJS 315: Introduction to Criminal Law
This course is a generic study of criminal law in the United States, and does not cover any specific federal or state law. Topics include principles of criminal law, principles of criminal liability, complicity, inchoate crimes, defenses, justifications, excuses, crimes against persons, crimes against property, and crimes against public order. (No prerequisites)
3 credits

CRJS 320: Criminal Law and Procedure
This course examines the dynamic balance of the power of the government (to enforce the criminal law) against the rights of the individual to come and go as they please without government interference. Additionally, we will study about judicial review, constitutional supremacy, and the protections of state constitutional rights concerning criminal procedure as related to federal constitutional protections. The course will cover the area of search and
seizure law, its current status as well as its historical development (through the tracing of case law); the ever-changing laws on interrogation, confessions, identifications, and courtroom procedures such as right to counsel, right to jury trials, the laws governing sentencing and direct and collateral attacks on convictions. There will be a review of the remedies afforded by law to an individual when the government violates the rights its constitution and statutes provides. This is a required Criminal Justice Upper level core course.
Recommended Prerequisite: Intro to Criminal Law, Intro to Criminal Justice
3 credits, Spring and Distance Learning (Internet)

CRJS 321: Criminal Evidence
This course provides a thorough study of the evidence rules, with specific emphasis on the application of these rules in preparing and presenting evidence. This includes a discussion of the history and approach to the study of evidence; proof by evidence and substitutes; general admissibility tests, including relevancy and materiality; opinion and expert testimony, and hearsay rule; evidence by way of witness testimony, documents, scientific and real evidence; and exclusion of evidence on constitutional grounds. For better understanding of the evidence rules, judicial decisions are cited and some are included in Part II of the required text. This is a Criminal Justice upper level Elective course.
Recommended but not required: CRJS 110, 320, 315
3 credits, Fall 2006 and Distance Learning (Internet)

CRJS 322: Correctional Counseling and Case Management
An examination of strategies for affecting offender behavior change by correctional counseling and case management in both institutional and community based settings. Emphasis will be on functional and contemporary approaches. CRJS elective.
Prerequisite: CRJS 201
3 credits

CRJS 324: Issues in Criminal Justice
This course examines the various social, legal, and ethical issues surrounding computing and modern technology. Although it is not designed to be a 'technical' course, students in computer science, humanities, social sciences, and criminal justice will benefit from the course content. Issues covered include privacy and information, wiretapping and encryption, software protection, and professional ethics.
3 credits

CRJS 326: White Collar, Occupational, and Organized Crime
The focus of this course is crime committed in professional organized and other occupational settings. The emphasis will be on current research and case histories, and will include material on etiology and law enforcement. CRJS elective.
Prerequisites for Criminal Justice majors: CRJS 110, 240
3 credits

CRJS 327: Gangs in Society
This course will examine contemporary gangs, gang life and law enforcement efforts to study and coordinate the community's response to them. A wide variety of topics and issues will be covered, including: female gangs and ganging, ethnic diversity, economic, neighborhood, and school gang behavior; gun and drug relationships, and research methods used in the study of gangs. There will also be discussions on recruiting, gang identification,gang slang, graffiti, and major national gangs.
3 credits

CRJS 328: Drugs of Abuse
The U.S. has the highest rate of drug abuse of any industrialized country in the world. This course is designed to provide the student with a broad understanding and insight into drug abuse within American society and it's impact upon society in general. The primary focus will be on how the criminal justice system, health care system, and other institutions attempt to deal with the nations' drug problem. The course will focus on what has been done in the past by society about the drug problem, what is and what is not working now, and what needs to be done in the future.
3 credits

CRJS 330: The Juvenile Justice System
An analysis of the justice system as it relates to the disposition of cases involving the juvenile offender. Where appropriate, a comparative analysis with the adult process will be emphasized.
Prerequisites: CRJS 110, CRJS 201, CRJS 240
3 credits, Spring and Distance Learning (Internet)

CRJS 332: Balance and Restorative Justice
This course introduces the student to the state of the art in juvenile justice. It provides the student with an understanding and a working knowledge of the key principles in blanced and restorative justice.  Key issues that will be addressed are how to implement and measure these principles.
3 credits

CRJS 333: Victimology
This course will examine the plight of victims including child maltreatment, domestic violence, victimization at work and school.  It further explores the extent of homicide victimization.  In reviewing the above mentioned topics, guest speakers with expertise in these areas will present their viewpoints on extent of victimology.  Throughout this course, the BARJ principle will be the focus in blanacing the vitim's role in the criminal justice system.
Prerequisites: CRJS 330, 332
3 credits

CRJS 335: Administrative Management of Criminal Justice Agencies
This course introduces the student to the realities of both administration and management of criminal justice agencies in contemporary America. It provides a comprehensive perspective regarding interpersonal skills, basic management techniques, training, motivating and supervising and appraising others, dealing with difficult people, and getting things done through others.
Prerequisites: CRJS 110, 201
3 credits

CRJS 340: Seminar: Women in Crime
This course examines how the Criminal Justice System, and the influences of formal and informal social controls to which women have been subjected. Historical perspective is integrated with contemporary reality, and attention is focused on women as professionals, offenders, and victims. Focus will be placed on both formal and informal institutions from Colonial America, Victorian France and England, to the present day.
Theoretical perspectives on gender inequality will be explored by reviewing the strengths and the limitations of traditional Social Theories. Marxism, Rational choice theories, Psychoanalysis, Ethnomethodology, and Expectation states theory will be some of the theories reviewed. CRJS elective.
3 credits, Distance Learning (Internet)

CRJS 350: Criminal Justice Ethics
An introduction into the application of ethical theories relevant to the practice of the criminal justice system. The course is designed to focus upon and emphasize the most significant moral issues faced by criminal justice professionals today. The student will be required to conduct a detailed examination of these issues and to apply the various ethical theories, codes, and canons to arrive at a moral decision. CRJS majors/minors. Upper level.
Prerequisites: CRJS 240
3 credits

CRJS 390-394: Special Topics in Criminal Justice
1-3 credits

CRJS 395-399: Independent Study
By permission only.
1-3 credits

CRJS 490: Internship Field Placement
An opportunity for students to engage in participant observation, task performance or other related activities in an agency of the criminal justice system. The student is required to engage in such activities for a minimum of 10-20 hours per week during an entire semester. Open only to students with a minimum QPA of 2.5 and who have completed 15 credit hours of the criminal justice concentration.
Prerequisite: CRJS 110, 201 202. By permission only.
1-9 credits

CRJS 495: Criminal Justice Capstone/Senior Seminar
A course that is designed to fulfill the requirement for a writing intensive senior seminar. The Criminal Justice Capstone course is interchangeable for the LS 383 requirement.
Thesis: seniors, Criminal Justice majors.
Prerequisites: CRJS 240,250
3 credits

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Criminal Justice Curriculum
(Numerals in front of courses indicate credits)

 FRESHMAN  
 Fall   Spring
3College Comp/LENG 111
3Modern Language or MATH
3Sacred Scripture/LTHE 121
3Intro to CRJS/CRJS 110
3PC Applications/CIS 170-173
3Applied Concepts in CRJS/CRJS 108
18Credits
 
3Crit Analysis & Comp/LENG 112
3Correctional Process/CRJS 201
3Modern Language
3U.S. Govt & Politics/POLI 111
3Service Learning Sem/CRJS 111
3History of West & World/LHST 111
18Credits
 
 SOPHOMORE
 Fall   Spring
3Theology Series II/LTHE
3Literature Series/LENG
3Public Policy Analysis/POLI 122
3Intro to Psych/PSYC 111
3Imtroduction to Philosophy/LPHI 131
3Criminalogical Theory/CRJS 240
18Credits
 
3Philosophy Series II/LPHI
3Basic Sociology/SOCI 110
3Police Function/CRJS 202
3Fund. Speech/SPCH 111
3Cognate
3Research Methods/CRJS 250
18Credits
 
 JUNIOR
 Fall   Spring
3Fine Art Series/LFIN
3Theology or Phil Series III/LTHE or LPHI
3Ethics/CRJS 350
3Investigative Concepts/CRJS 310
3Cognate
15Credits
 
3Juv Justice/CRJS 330
6Cognates
3Crim Law & Proc/CRJS 320
3CRJS upper level course
2General Electives
17Credits
 
 SENIOR
 Fall   Spring
3Cognate
3CRJS Electives
6General Electives
3LS Science
15Credits
 
3Senior Seminar/LBST 383 or Professional Capstone/CRJS 495
6CRJS Electives
6General Electives
15Credits

* It is recommended that students take at least 15 credits of curriculum requirements each semester and at least 2 elective credits to obtain full benefit from tuition fees. This practice will insure that the student accrues more credit hours (137) at no additional cost, than the required (128) for graduation. (This is in addition to the (1) 18 credit semester).

Forensic Science curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills in the area of criminology, civil and criminal investigations, the collection and analysis of crime scene evidence, ensuring the reliability, relevance and the admissibility (integrity) of the chain of evidence, and preparing evidence for presentation in court.

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  Criminal Justice Associate Degree Curriculum

3College Composition/LENG 111
3History of The West and The World/LHST 111
3Sacred Scripture/LTHE 121
3Introduction to Philosophy/LPHI 231
3Theology or Philosophy III Series
3Basic Sociology/SOCI 110
3Introduction to Criminal Justice/CRJS 110
3Correctional Process/CRJS 201
3Police Function/CRJS 202
3Criminological Theory/CRJS 300
3Investigative Concept/CRJS 310
3Criminal Law and Procedure/CRJS 320
9Criminal Justice Courses level 300 or 400
3U.S. Government and Politics/POLI 111
3Fundamentals of Speech/SPCH 111
3Introduction to Psychology/PSYC 111
1Internet/CIS 170
2PC Applications/CIS 171, 172, or 173
9Cognates
66 credits

Concentrations in the areas of Juvenile Justice, Forensics, and Behavioral Specialist are also available through the Criminal Justice Program. All core Criminal Justice courses are offered through the Center for Adult Learning-Open University and are meant to accommodate the non-traditional and/or returning to education student. The core courses are also offered annually in the traditional classroom setting (evenings) over a two-year cycle.

  Certificates in Criminal Justice
Issues relating to Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice are constantly in the news. Crime prevention, law enforcement and treatment of offenders are very real priorities in society today, and individuals trained in these areas are in high demand. The Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice Certificates are ideal for individuals wishing to focus their careers in these dynamic areas. These 18-credit programs are open to those already possessing Bachelor's degrees who may whish to re-examine their career path. All courses are offered Open University through the Center for Adult Learning if the student is pursuing a certificate.

  BEHAVIORAL SPECIALIST MINOR OR CERTIFICATE
This series of courses is designed to give you the basic principles and theories to be able to behaviorally assess and evaluate, develop and implement positive behavioral support plans, and consult and collaborate with families, schools and other agencies working with an identified child.

Students involved in Education, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Social Work should find this specialization an enhancement for career advancement.

3 Seminar in Emotional and Behavior Disorders/CRBH 355
3 Instructional and Therapeutic Interventions for Treatment Design/CRBH 358
3 Applied Behavioral Intervention and Design/CRBH 365
3 Interagency Collaboration and Consultation/CRBH 370
6 Behavioral Specialist Practicum/CRBH 475
18 credits

  CONSERVATION LAW ENFORCEMENT MINOR OR CERTIFICATE

3 Introduction to Criminal Justice/CRJS 110
3 Environmental Issues/BIOL 103
3 General Chemistry I/CHEM 111
3 College Algebra/MATH 111
3 Introduction to Conservation Law Enforcement/CRJS 215
3 Environmental Law and Policy/CRJS 305
3 Investigative Concepts/CRJS 310
21credits

  CORRECTIONS MINOR OR CERTIFICATE

3 Introduction to Criminal Justice/CRJS 110
3 The Corrections Process/CRJS 201
3 Contemporary Correctional Programs/CRJS 302
3 Critical Issues in Crime and Justice/CRJS 304
3 Criminological Theory/CRJS 240
3 Administration and Management in Criminal Justice/CRJS 335
18 credits

  CRIMINAL JUSTICE MINOR OR CERTIFICATE
A total of 18 credits will be required for a minor in Criminal Justice. Non-majors who desire a minor with specific concentrations are required to complete the following courses.   

Criminal Justice Minor

3 Introduction to Criminal Justice/CRJS 110
3 Fundamentals of Criminology/CRJS 240
3 The Correctional Process/CRJS 201
3 Police Function/CRJS 202
3 Criminal Law and Procedure/CRJS 320
3 Investigative Concepts/CRJS 310, Juvenile Justice/CRJS 330, Juvenile Delinquency and Adolescent Development/CRJS 230, Gangs in Society/CRJS 327, Drugs of Abuse/CRJS 328, or Internship Field Placement/CRJS 490
18 credits

  CRIMINAL JUSTICE FORENSIC INVESTIGATION MINOR OR CERTIFICATE

Forensic Science curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills in the area of criminology, civil and criminal investigations, the collection and analysis of crime scene evidence, ensuring the reliability, relevance and the admissibility (integrity) of the chain of evidence, and preparing evidence for presentation in court.

3 Introduction to Criminal Justice/CRJS 110
3 Criminological Theory/CRJS 300
3 Investigative Concepts/CRJS 310
3 Criminalistics I: Intro to Investigative Forensics/CRFO 210

Take 9 credits from the following courses:
3 Criminal Evidence/CRJS 321
3 Forensic Biological Evidence/CRFO 312
3 Forensic Crime Scene Techniques and Technology/CRFO 318
3 Expert Witness: Crime Scene Courtroom Testimony/CRFO 325
3 Digital Evidence/Computer Crime/CRFO 345
3 Investigation Internet Crime/CRFO 350
3 Principles of Forensic (Kinesic) Interview and Interrogation/CRFO 360
21 total credits

  JUVENILE JUSTICE MINOR OR CERTIFICATE

3 Introduction to Criminal Justice/CRJS 110
3 Criminological Theory/CRJS 240
3 The Correctional Process/CRJS 201
3 Juvenile Delinquency-Adolescent Development/CRJS 230
3 Juvenile Justice/CRJS 330
3 Correctional Counseling & Case Management/CRJS 322 or Drugs of Abuse/CRJS 328 or Balance & Restorative Justice/CRJS 332 or Victimology/CRJS 333
18 credits

*Non-matriculated students will receive a Criminal Justice and/or a Juvenile Justice Certificate.

THE NEXT STEP

Baccalaureate Degree Program for Graduates of Two Year Colleges

Criminal Justice

(Numerals in front of courses indicate credits)

 Pre-Senior Year   Senior Year
3Basic Sociology/SOCI 110
3Introduction to Criminal Justice/CRJS 110
3The Correctional Process/CRJS 201
3The Police Function/CRJS 202
3Fundamentals of Criminology/CRJS 300
3Cognate
3Sacred Scriptures/LTHE 121
3Introduction to Philosophy/LPHI 231
3General Electives
3Literature Series/LENG
3Fine Arts Series/LFIN
33Credits
 
3Investigative Concepts/CRJS 310
3Juvenile Justice/CRJS 330
3Criminal Law and Procedure/CRJS 320
9Criminal Justice Electives
6Foreign Language
3Senior Seminar/LBST 383 or Professional Capstone/CRJS 495
3PC’s/CIS 170 Series
3Theology or Phil Series III/LTHE or LPHI
  
  
  
33Credits
 
Students will be permitted to take other courses in substitution for any course listed above which they have satisfactorily completed prior to admission into the Next Step program. Students are required to complete 18 credits in the Core of Discovery Program at Gannon.

All students graduating from the College of Humanities must have completed six credits of a Modern Foreign Language
 

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